Disney News

Category: Disney

  • Hong Kong Disneyland Getting a New Castle

    Hong Kong Disneyland Getting a New Castle

    Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo and just like that Hong Kong Disneyland gets a new castle. As part of the massive multi-year expansion plan, the icon of the park will soon be reimagined and will reach new heights with its upcoming transformation.

    It is the first-of-its-kind at any Disney park. Today, Disney released a new rendering to show you what a magical centerpiece the new castle will be for guests in Hong Kong.

    The classic castle will draw inspiration from a variety of storybook influences and styles, with new thematic spires, domes and a design that reaches ever skyward. Features will be inspired by many of the Disney princesses, including special finial decorations on the spires such as Snow White’s apple, Cinderella’s coach and Belle’s rose. Original artwork and unique sculptures will add even more magic and fantasy.

    Guests will be able to visit the all-new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for transformations of their own and meet Disney princesses at the castle. The changes will also take the park’s entertainment to new heights with the premiere of a new daytime show and nighttime spectacular against the impressive backdrop.

    This comes on the heels of several amazing additions to the resort already this year, including the opening of Iron Man Experience and Disney Explorers Lodge. In addition to all this, soon you’ll be able to step into the storytelling world of Frozen, Marvel and more like never before at the park.

    Work on the castle will begin after the finale of the “Disney in the Stars” fireworks on January 1, and the expansion plan will continue to bring new entertainment to the park almost every year through 2023.

  • Walt Disney World Cast Members VoluntEAR with Toys for Tots

    Walt Disney World Cast Members VoluntEAR with Toys for Tots

    Walt Disney World doesn’t just provide entertainment to countless guests in the park and resorts, but they also give back to the community. Cast Members went to infinity and beyond to help some 26,000 children in the community this holiday season through the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program.

    Saturday, they packed up a few distinctly Disney vehicles from their Minnie Van service and delivered THOUSANDS of toys to help pack the shelves of the Toys for Tots distribution warehouse. They brought donated games, dolls, plush animals and other surprises. During the past month, Cast Members have donated more than 25,000 toys—that’s more than three tons!—to this program.

    And in the coming weeks, Disney VoluntEARS will help the Marines sort and distribute the toys to deserving families, a continuation of nearly seven decades of support to the program that dates back to Walt Disney himself.

  • Olaf’s Frozen Adventure to Debut on ABC

    Olaf’s Frozen Adventure to Debut on ABC

    The Disney Pixar short Olaf’s Frozen Adventure makes its broadcast television debut on Thursday, December 14 at 8p.m. (EST), on The ABC Television Network.

    The special is a part of ABC’s “25 Days of Christmas” festivities. “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” just completed a limited theatrical run in front of Disney Pixar’s hit feature “Coco.” The featurette includes four new original Frozen songs and welcomes back the beloved characters who won over audiences worldwide in the 2013 Oscar-winning feature, Frozen, the top-grossing animated film of all time.

    In Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, Olaf (voice of Josh Gad) teams up with Sven on a merry mission. It’s the first holiday season since the gates reopened and Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) and Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) host a celebration for all of Arendelle. When the townspeople unexpectedly leave early to enjoy their individual holiday customs, the sisters realize they have no family traditions of their own. So, Olaf sets out to comb the kingdom to bring home the best traditions and save Anna and Elsa’s “first Christmas in forever.”

    “We are thrilled to be part of ABC’s 25 Days of Christmas festivities. While making the film, our crew was so inspired by all of the great television holiday specials of the past. It’s a dream come true for all of us,” said producer Roy Conli.

    The ABC special will help keep Frozen fans occupied as they continue the long countdown towards Frozen 2, which will hit theaters on November 27, 2019.

  • PHOTO: Guests Attempt to Climb Disney’s ‘Tree of Life’ at Animal Kingdom

    PHOTO: Guests Attempt to Climb Disney’s ‘Tree of Life’ at Animal Kingdom

    So some park guests got it in their head that it would be a good idea to climb the “Tree of Life”, the iconic symbol in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Gonna go out on a limb here and say this is on the list of things to not do at Disney World.

    Onlookers hoped the trespassers would just make like a tree and leave. The Four guests were caught quickly after the shenanigans, but according to reports they were up there for a good twenty minutes.  Plenty of time for guests to see the whole thing and even snap a few photos.

    The incident took place on Sunday around 2 p.m. and is slightly reminiscent of when a park guest tried climbing The Mexico Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. The Tree of Life stands 145-foot-high and has numerous animals that “appear to magically emerge” from it, but no one though people would end up emerging from it.

    Luckily no one was injured and security got them to come down rather quickly.

    There has been no word on if there were any repercussions for the guests, but this is the type of behavior that can easily get you banned for life.

  • Details on Disney’s New Skyliner Gondolas

    Details on Disney’s New Skyliner Gondolas

    The new gondola system known as The Disney Skyliner isn’t running yet, but is still flying high today with some really exciting new details and visuals. Today Disney unveiled concept art and elaborated on new the gondolas that will connect A few of the theme parks and resorts at Walt Disney World.

    Guests will experience an unforgettable journey and a picturesque view of Walt Disney World Resort as they take to the sky to travel from select Disney resorts to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    Select Disney Skyliner cabins will have iconic Disney characters incorporated into their exterior design to give the appearance that a Disney pal is riding along with guests, such as characters from the ‘Fab Five,’figures from Disney attractions, fan favorites from movies, and more.
    Disney Gondolas Skyliner

    The design of the Disney Skyliner station at International Gateway at Epcot will be inspired by the park’s nearby European Pavilions, and will be covered with metal and glass canopies, hand-painted murals and ornamental steel structures that harken back to the early 18th century Art Nouveau style. Guests traveling to Epcot via the Disney Skyliner will be welcomed to the park with a rare birds-eye view of World Showcase.

    Disney Gondolas Skyliner

    The Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station will be the hub of activity for Disney Skyliner. This station is inspired by the open air village marketplaces of the Caribbean and will showcase the nearby resort’s architectural detailing and color schemes. At this station, passengers will be able to transfer gondola routes to reach their destination, or are invited to sit and admire the waterfront resort setting.

    Disney Gondolas Skyliner

    The design style of the station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will fit with that of the park’s main entrance and bus stations. Passengers traveling here from the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station can expect a new aerial perspective of the park’s iconic attractions, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

    Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will share a Disney Skyliner station that feels whimsical and contextual with both resorts. Upon departing the gondola station, Skyliner passengers will ascend over Hourglass Lake and enjoy a panoramic view of these two colorful resorts.

    Finally, cabins will slow down at the Disney Skyliner turn-station along Buena Vista Drive, where guests can see the mechanical and aerial components that make up the Disney Skyliner.

  • “Millennial Pink” MagicBands are the Next Disney Must Have

    A new solid colored pink MagicBand will be arriving at Walt Disney World in a couple of weeks and these are totes adorbs. The new MagicBands dubbed “millennial pink”, may be ‘light’ pink but they will for sure be a ‘hot’ seller.

    This according to a couple of YouTubers who posted it on their Instagram account recently. It’s unknown how they actually got a hold of them, but we can’t wait to see them in person and sport one around the parks. As a solid color they will probably cost $12.99, but you never know with a new MagicBand as cute as this one.

    Keep an eye out in the coming days on shopDisney.com and in Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts.

  • Star Wars Themed Resort Coming to Walt Disney World

    Star Wars Themed Resort Coming to Walt Disney World

    At Disney the resort experience is out of this world, but they now have plans for a resort that comes from a galaxy far far way. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek announced to fans at D23 Expo last summer that a “Star Wars” hotel will be coming to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

    According to Bob, this revolutionary new vacation experience will be a living adventure that allows guests to immerse themselves in an entirely new form of Disney storytelling.

    Star Wars Resort

    “It’s unlike anything that exists today.” Bob said. “From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”

    Star Wars Resort

    Chapek didn’t reveal a date for the opening of the “Star Wars” hotel, but with the new themed land coming to Disney World in 2018, it probably can’t be too far behind.

  • ‘Treasures from the Disney Vault’ Returns This December

    ‘Treasures from the Disney Vault’ Returns This December

    Every few months, Turner Classic Movies offers up an evening of Disney classics, and the next installment of Treasures From the Disney Vault will air Wednesday, December 20, 2017. Hosted by noted film critic Leonard Maltin, the programming begins at 8pm and continues into the early hours of Thursday morning. Here is the complete schedule of this month’s collection of Disney films and TV shows.

    December 20, 2017

    • 8:00pm – Brave Little Tailor (1938)
      When a giant threatens the land, the city folk mistake Mickey’s boast of killing seven flies with one blow to be giants. He is then forced to fight the giant for real.
    • 8:15pm – The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952)
      This rousing tale of England’s renowned rebel to the rich and patriot to the poor is brimming with Disney’s storytelling magic. Go bow-to-bow alongside Robin, Friar Tuck, Little John, and Maid Marian in this classic adventure full of gallantry, romance and adventure!
    • 9:45pm – The Sign of Zorro (1960)
      In this film, edited from eight episodes of Disney’s hit TV series, Don Diego returns home to find his town under the heel of a cruel dictator, Capitan Monastario. Diego dons the mask of Zorro to fight the evil commandant’s tyranny, and, with the help of his mute servant Bernardo, free the pueblo from his oppression.
    • 11:30pm – Toby Tyler (1960)
      A Disney film released on January 21, 1960 by Buena Vista Distribution Company, based on the 1880 children’s book Toby Tyler, or Ten Weeks with a Circus by James Otis Kaler.
    • 1:15am – Tricks of Our Trade (1957)
      Walt Disney takes a look at the technical improvements in animation, such as in more fluid animation of bodies and clothing, advanced special effects such as bubbles bursting and water splashing, and the development of the multiplane camera for a greater feeling of depth.
    • 2:15am – Pete’s Dragon (1977)
      It is a live-action film but its title character, a dragon named Elliott, is animated. It is about a young orphan named Pete (Sean Marshall) who enters a small fishing town in Maine in the early 20th century. His only friend is Elliott (voiced by Charlie Callas and animated by Don Bluth), who also acts as his protector.
    • 4:30am – Fuzz Bucket (1986)
      1986 television film written and directed by Mick Garris starringChris Hebert as a young Michael Gerber and Phil Fondacaro as his invisible friend, Fuzzbucket. The films also stars Joe Regalbuto as Michael’s dad, Wendy Phillips as his mother, Robyn Lively as his older sister, and John Vernon as the Principal.

    It will be a long night of Disney movie magic so get your pop corn and get comfy.  Fuzz Bucket tops the list of under-rated movies and is worth staying up for!

  • Star Wars: Galactic Nights Complete Guide

    Star Wars: Galactic Nights Complete Guide

    Star Wars: Galactic Nights is back and guest are going to love the new additions. Held after park hours on December 16th from 7 p.m. to midnight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the event immerses guests in a Star Experience like no other.  Here is a rundown on what you can expect:

    ENTERTAINMENT

    Experiences available only during this special event:
    Star Wars Galactic Nights Projections
    • Star Wars: Galactic Destinations – State-of-the-art projections shoot across the Hollywood Tower Hotel to display favorite film moments from across the galaxy accompanied by the stellar Star Wars cinematic score. Star Wars: Galactic Destinations will run continuously beginning at 7 p.m
    • Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Epic Stunt Theater – 8:10 p.m., 9:10 p.m., 10:10 p.m. and 11:10 p.m.) – During this one-night-only panel discussion, hosted by David Collins, expert panel of team members from Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm will give Guests an inside look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
    • Galactic Nights Epilogue (Rebel Base – 11:40 p.m.) – Prior to Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, Guests are invited to join event hosts as they marvel at a spotlight of Star Wars: Galactic Nights event highlights straight from the fans themselves! To be a part of the Galactic Nights Epilogue, Guests should tag their photos with #GalacticNights when sharing on social media.
    • DJ Dance Party (Rebel Base – Intermittently 7 p.m. to midnight) – Guests can dance the night away in a galaxy far, far away!
    • Imperial March (Park entrance to Rebel Base – 7:05 p.m., 8:05 p.m., 9:05 p.m., 9:55 p.m.) – Join a battalion of Stormtroopers on a dramatic march down Hollywood Blvd to the Event Stage, where Darth Vader will meet his troops.
    • Droidbuilders (Animation Courtyard – 7 p.m. to midnight) – Encourage Guests to keep an eye out for roaming R2 Builders droids! R2 Builders is an international community of Star Wars fans who build their own replica robots of the recognizable droids from the Star Wars galaxy.
    Star Wars experiences also available during the event:
    • Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away (Rebel Base – 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10:20 p.m.) – Guest are able to experience a live stage show of high energy film clips that bring together action-filled character moments on stage, including Rey, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and many more.
    • Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (Rebel Base – 11:45 p.m.) – The skies will come alive with the power of the Force, as the park’s popular Star Wars-themed nighttime spectacular lights up the night.
    • Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple (Near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – 6:10 p.m., 6:40 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 8:45 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 9:45 p.m., 10:15 p.m.) – Guests can witness the future of the Force, as younglings face their fears at the sacred Jedi Temple. Guests can visit Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost to reserve a spot in the training for young Guests ages 4-12. Space is first-come, first-serve and limited.

    ATTRACTIONS

    The following daily attractions have been enhanced by the Force for Star Wars: Galactic Nights:
    • Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
    • Star Wars: Launch Bay
    • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Star Wars edition
    • Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
    • Muppet Vision 3D
    • Toy Story Mania
    • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
    • Walt Disney Presents

    CHARACTERS

    Meet all your favorite Star Wars characters at various locations around the park:
    Kylo Ren Launch Bay
    • Star Wars: Launch Bay – Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, BB-8 and Rey
    • Sunset Showcase Courtyard – Seventh Sister
    • Cantina inside Star Wars: Launch Bay – Jawas
    • Inside Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Imperial Storm Troopers
    • Animation Courtyard – AWR Trooper
    • Commissary Lane – Mickey & Minnie Mouse
    • Echo Lake – Olaf
    • Pixar Place – Buzz Lightyear and Woody
    • Walt Disney Presents – Star Lord and Groot

    PHOTO BACKDROPS

    There are eight different dimensional photo background for guests.
    Backdrop locations:
    • Ahch-to: Luke’s Hut – Near Rebel Base
    • Death Star: Emperor’s Throne Room – Near Hyperion Theater
    • Batuu – Grand Avenue
    • Jedha: U-wing and K-2SO – Grand Avenue
    • Malachor: Sith Temple – Sunset Showcase Courtyard (featuring appearances by the Seventh Sister)
    • Hoth: Wampa Cave – Sunset Showcase Courtyard
    • Jakku: Luggabeast – Inside Sunset Showcase
    • Tatooine: Rancor – Inside Sunset Showcase

    MERCHANDISE

    Pick up your favorite Star Wars gear.
    Star Wars Shirt
    Special event merchandise is available at:
    • Mickey’s of Hollywood
    • Celebrity 5 & 10
    • Once Upon a Time
    • Stage 1 Company Store (open during event mix-in from 5-7 p.m.)
    PREMIUM OFFERINGS, PACKAGES, AND MORE
    This year, event Guests can choose a variety of options to enhance their galactic experience:
    1. Galactic Tasting & Viewing Package – Guests are able to enhance their Star Wars: Galactic Nights experience with a Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package. Tasting-sized sips and bites inspired by the stories and characters of Star Wars will be available at various locations throughout the park. With the Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package, Guests can enjoy up to five food & beverage items as well as reserved seating for the 9:10 p.m. or 10:10 p.m. Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge panel. The Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package is available for purchase for $30 (plus tax) near Rebel Base and Sunshine Day Café. Food and beverage items included in this package are marked in the event passport as well as at each food & beverage location.
    2. Jedi Recruitment Package – Guests are able to equip their youngling with the necessary tools and tips to defeat the Dark Side at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Check-in for the Jedi Recruitment package is located at Ewok Village (external queue of Star Tours).
    3. Galactic Character Couture Packages – Disney Senses Spa will be onsite at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering Guests hair, makeup and nails transformations with stylish designs inspired by Star Wars characters. Located inside Legends of Hollywood, appointments are available via walk-ins on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Disney Developing Fireworks You Can Feel For The Visually Impaired

    Disney Developing Fireworks You Can Feel For The Visually Impaired

    With the new year right around the corner fireworks certainly come to mind and we all know that no one does fireworks like Disney Parks and Resorts. In an effort to make their fireworks spectacular inclusive for everyone, Disney recently announced they are working on a way for visually impaired guests to ‘Feel’ fireworks.

    Known as Feeling Fireworks, Disney Research has been hard at work developing a prototype of a unique haptics-supported fireworks display experience specially tailored to visually impaired users.

    Unveiled at the User Interface Software and Technology conference held in Quebec City, Canada back in october, the low-cost technology is still in very early stages, but it has a 66 percent success rate and is making good progress. The team plans to continue improving the experience and believes that the day will come when everyone will be able to enjoy the thrill of fireworks shows.

    Tactile effects are created using directable water jets that spray onto the rear of a flexible screen, with different nozzles for different firework effects. The approach is low-cost and scales well, and allows for dynamic tactile effects to be rendered with high spatial resolution. A user study demonstrated that the tactile effects are meaningful analogs to the visual fireworks that they represent, with sighted users able to label the correct correspondence of tactile-to-visual effects by a large margin over chance. Beyond the specific application, the technology represents a novel and cost-effective approach for making large scalable tactile displays, with the potential for wider use.

    As Disney continues to take more steps to find creative solutions—with the use of new technology—for ensuring the most inclusive experience possible for all the visitors to its parks, we look forward to hearing about even bigger and more innovative designs in the future.